International-News

Putin-Trump meeting in Budapest within two weeks: steps towards peace

Putin-Trump summit possible in Hungary to discuss peace in Ukraine. International Criminal Court presses Budapest: ‘Arrest Putin’

A new meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump could take place within two weeks in Budapest, with the aim of taking a step towards peace between Russia and Ukraine. The confirmation comes from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, following a telephone call between the two leaders. “It could actually take place within two weeks or a little later. There is a general understanding that it should not be postponed,” Peskov said.

The EU: ‘Any step towards peace in Ukraine is welcome’

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented on the news of the possible Putin-Trump meeting, calling ‘any step that leads to a just and lasting peace for Ukraine’ positive. European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill also stressed that the EU’s position on Ukraine ‘is long-standing and well-known.’

Logistical and political issues for the summit in Budapest

The possibility of a Putin-Trump summit in Budapest still presents several issues to be resolved, starting with logistical questions. A European diplomatic source explained that ‘if the summit takes place in Budapest, the Americans will want Putin to get there’, but the flight route remains a problem: ‘He could fly over Ukraine, but I don’t think that’s a wise option’.

The issue of the International Criminal Court

Vladimir Putin’s possible arrival in Hungary is also overshadowed by the international arrest warrant issued in 2023 by the International Criminal Court for war crimes related to the invasion of Ukraine. A spokesperson for the Court pointed out that, despite Hungary’s announcement of its withdrawal from the Rome Statute, this decision will only take effect on 2 June 2026: ‘Until then, Hungary has a duty to arrest Putin’.

Orbán: “Trump told us to get ready”

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán confirmed that preparations are already underway: “Yesterday, President Donald Trump told us to get ready. The foreign ministers will work to resolve the remaining issues, then the two leaders will be able to meet here in Budapest”. Orbán also announced the creation of an organising committee and an upcoming telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin.

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